There is excitement in Baton Rouge as LSU is just under one month away from the first game of the Lane Kiffin era.
The Tigers started fall camp on Wednesday, and many of the media members got to see them in action. LSU is filled with playmakers that can lead them back to the promised land as they have to go through a rugged schedule starting off at Game 1 in a contest versus a Clemson program that is still dangerous despite the latter currently struggling to find momentum in recent years.
There are a lot of things to like about this LSU team. There are strengths on both sides of the ball, but one is better than the others. Here are the biggest strengths on both offense and defense.
The LSU offense is loaded with explosive playmakers
If I had to pick one word to describe LSU’s offense: explosiveness.
During Kiffin’s six-year run at Ole Miss from 2020-25, the Rebels ranked in the Top 20 nationally in passing offense four times and led the SEC in passing each of the last two seasons. Last season, the Ole Miss offense had five different players catch at least 39 passes and gain 600-plus yards in 2025.
The running game will benefit from Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. calling the plays, as Ole Miss never averaged less than 175 yards per game throughout Kiffin’s entire tenure at Ole Miss.
Quarterback Sam Leavitt not only excites LSU fans with his gunslinging ability, but also with his legs as he has rushed for 759 yards along with 10 touchdowns over the last two seasons.
At running back, Dilin Jones will be the bell cow and he has shown promise throughout the offseason. Also, don’t forget about Harlem Berry and Caden Durham, who both have home-run-hitting ability whenever they get the ball.
In the receiving corps, Jackson Harris and Winnie Watkins both showcased their explosiveness as they were both deep threats for LSU during two open viewing scrimmages for the media. LSU may have the best tight end in college football with Trey’dez Green, who earned All-SEC honors after a breakout season.
However, those aren’t the only pass-catchers who could be utilized. You also have Jayce Brown and Tre Brown, both nice pickups out of the transfer portal from Kansas State and Old Dominion, respectively. You also have Florida transfer Eugene “Tre” Wilson, who is one of the most dangerous weapons in the country when healthy.
Illinois transfer Malik Elzy, Troy transfer Roman Mothershed, along with freshmen receivers Braylon Allen, Corey Barber and Jabari Mack, could fight for playing time as well.
LSU's defense features a ton of interior depth for Lane Kiffin to work with
On the other side of the ball, one thing that stands out is the amount of depth LSU has at the defensive tackle position. Auburn transfer Malik Blocton has plenty of SEC experience and Clemson transfer Stephiylan Green comes to LSU after being a key rotational player for Dabo Swinney - he earned a start against the Tigers last year when they went to Clemson last season.
Richard Anderson and Deuce Geralds are two highly-regarded freshmen, who stepped up during spring practice and are expected to get significant snaps this season.
Veterans Dominick McKinley and Shone Washington will also factor into the rotation. McKinley, a former five-star recruit in the 2023 class, is still working to settle in and find his footing in Baton Rouge, but he has flashed the talent that made him such a highly touted prospect. The next step for him will be finding more consistency, which could help him deliver the breakout season many expected a year ago.
Add us as a preferred source on Google